Search - Sauter-Finegan Orchestra :: The Best of Sauter-Finegan - The Original Doodletown Fifers

Long overdue CD release

Tad Ulrich | Los Angeles, USA | 11/05/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Finally there is a representative Cd sampling of the great Sauter-Finegan orchestra. This orchestra defined quality pop music for the 1950's. Few others, with the possible exception of Nelson Riddle and Billy May, could even come close. The music was sophisticated and finely craftedThis CD contains many, but certainly not all, of S/F's most memorable works. This is a quality production with detailed liner notes and artwork reminiscent of S/F's LPs. The only notable omission is a listing of the outstanding musicians such as Nick Travis, Sonny Russo, Joe Venuto and many Others. But most of you probably already have this information on previously released LP's anyway.Hopefully, Collector's Choice will release a volume two and include other classics such as Azure Te, When Hearts Are Young, Pale Moon, Moonlight on the Ganges, Etc Etc. Also it would be nice if the band's greatest LP could be released on CD, "Inside Sauter-Finegan." But what is here is definitive Sauter-Finegan and should be of interest, particularly to new listeners."

Really the BEST of this fine band!

Amateur Historian | Jonesboro, AR USA | 03/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Eddie Sauter got his start arranging for Mr. and Mrs. Swing, Red Norvo and Mildred Bailey, turning out some subtle, but swinging charts. He was able to experiment with some unusual harmonies, even back then. Then he went on to work for Benny Goodman, helping him to totally re-invent his band. Then he helped Ray McKinley put together a great band in the late 40's. Bill Finnegan worked for the likes of Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey, turning out some of their most interesting charts. These two arranging giants joined forces in the 1950's and the result was the Sauter-Finnegan Orchestra. Truthfully, some of their stuff was a little pedantic for the average listener. However, the music on this disc is among their most approachable and entertaining. For a real laugh listen to their send up of the Hal Kemp hit Got A Date With An Angel (this arrangement is great and full of subtlety). Their arrangement of the seldom heard "Hit The Road To Dreamland" is quite good. The many textures of Sauter-Finnegan are well-portrayed in this great one-disc collection."

Superb

Bluesy200 | USA | 05/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Listening to this CD is like being transported back in time to the '40s and '50s. The orchestra, the singers, it's all here. 20 tracks, and what must be over an hour's worth of great music. I wasn't born back then, but I appreciate good music when I hear it: THIS is an awesome CD."